Straw and Hay (Paglia e Fieno)

IMG_3798

I don't think the Bennett Crew wants to see another plate of pasta any time soon.  This is clearly my fault.  After I made this recipe the first time, I realized I hadn't used the right type of pasta. So I tried it a second time using … [Read more...]

Salisbury Steak with Pan Gravy

IMG_3544

I walked in my front door a few weeks ago and heard my oldest gal call “hey Mom!” from the family room sofa.  She’d come home from college for a few days to recover from a cold she’d picked up during mid-terms.  After we chatted for a few … [Read more...]

Chicken Mole The Easy Way

IMG_3363

Authentic Mexican food is a delight for the senses and a party for the taste buds.  After living in the Southwest for many years, my craving for authentic Mexican food never seems to diminish.   I love it all; tacos, enchiladas, carnitas, carne … [Read more...]

Three Cheese Penne Bake with Peas and Ham

penne-leeks-cheese-1

This is what Ranger Craig refers to as a “casserole”, a word that is shunned in my house.  I thought my ears were falling off when I heard my handsome guy tell me “oh, that’s like a casserole!” Well… not exactly. Pasta bakes have been … [Read more...]

Aunt Dagmar’s Swedish Meatballs

IMG_2782

I feel as if I just found the culinary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!  Melt in your mouth exquisitely delicious meatballs.   I have been on a determined search for the perfect Swedish Meatball and I must say after reviewing and … [Read more...]

Polenta Lasagna

IMG_0708

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE polenta?  I think you all know by now I have a love affair with polenta, not to mention a few other taste bud tingling ingredients like chipotle chili pepper and halibut!  But truly, polenta is one of those … [Read more...]

Breakfast Pizza

IMG_0261

I'm always looking for new breakfast ideas.  Something just a little different than a traditional omelet or scrambled eggs or even a breakfast quiche.  Although these egg dishes are yummy, a breakfast pizza makes a rainy day or weekend morning a … [Read more...]

Ms. Natalies Country Style Pork Ribs

IMG_0238

I love a good slow cooker meal.   It makes my busy week less stressful and dinner much easier to accomplish.  And this dish couldn't be easier! Ms. Natalie, as my daughters lovingly call her, prepared this meal for us one evening.  It was … [Read more...]

Italian Meatballs – Simple and Delicious!

IMG_0114

I believe I've made twenty different types of meatballs over the last few years.  Each time hoping I've come up with the perfect meatball recipe.  I'm not sure there is such a thing, especially with my family's diverse taste buds.  However, I … [Read more...]

Herb Crusted Chicken Cutlets with a Spicy Tomato Compote

thumbnail

A versatile sauce can make dinner a breeze.  Just add the meat or fish with a salad or veggie and dinner is done!  Creating a delicious sauce can take dinner from good to great.  Most sauces, salsas, compotes and chutney’s are easily … [Read more...]

Rigatoni Bennito

Rigatoni Bennito

Years ago, when my family and I lived back East, we frequented a local Italian Bistro with the most decadent pasta recipes my mouth had ever tasted.   One in particular that caught my taste buds attention was a tender, but al dente rigatoni, with … [Read more...]